Scarlett Baby Dress knitting pattern 18" chest

Scarlett Baby Dress Knitting Pattern

What is Being Made

The Scarlett is a baby dress designed by Designs by Tracy D, sized for 0-6 months with an 18-inch chest measurement. This knitted garment can be created in a two-color colorwork design using a main color and contrast color, or alternatively worked entirely in a single color for a simpler appearance.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting pattern employs several fundamental and decorative techniques to construct the dress. The garment features shaping through strategic decreases to form the neckline and body contours. Stocking stitch forms the primary fabric structure, creating a smooth, classic knitted surface. The pattern incorporates colorwork capabilities, allowing crafters to work with both a main color and contrast color yarn for visual interest. Additional construction techniques include working from cast-on edges, shaping via decreases, and finishing details such as button closures and the use of stitch holders for managing active stitches during garment assembly.

Stitches Used

The Scarlett pattern utilizes a range of essential knitting stitches appropriate for intermediate crafters:

• Knit (K) – The fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl (P) – Used in combination with knit stitches for texture and pattern variation
• Stocking Stitch (STST) – The primary stitch pattern creating the smooth dress fabric
• Knit 2 Together (K2TOG) – A right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Slip 1 Knit 1 Pass Slipped Stitch Over (SKPO) – A left-leaning decrease for refined shaping
• Purl 2 Together Through Back Loop (P2TOGTBL) – A specialized purl decrease
• Yarn Forward (YFWD) – Creates decorative eyelet holes, often used for functional or ornamental purposes
• Make 1 (M1) – An increase stitch created by picking up the loop between stitches and working into the back

Materials and Tools

The Scarlett baby dress requires DK weight yarn totaling approximately 220 grams: 120g in the main color and 100g in a contrast color for the two-color version. Crafters working in a single color would use the full yardage in one shade. The pattern calls for 3.25mm and 4mm knitting needles, with the smaller needles used for initial ribbing or edge work and the larger needles for the main fabric. Additional notions include 1 button for closure and stitch holders for managing stitches during construction. The recommended tension is 22 stitches and 30 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) using 4mm needles with DK yarn, ensuring proper garment sizing and fit for the 18-inch chest measurement.